Strut insert question

[ComicArtist]

So, I know that our strut tubes are basically metal pipes, in which strut/shock inserts slide down into, and then a spring goes over that, and a tophat is bolted on to hold it all together.

 

Never having replaced an insert before, I'm a little unsure of how the whole thing works.

 

But my question is, if the strut inserts are removable, can you replace them with the strut insert from a different car, as long as the O.D. of the insert is the same as the O.D. of the insert for the S30? If so, would it be simply a bolt in operation?

 

Thank you!

[JMortensen]

Kind of. Lots of guys run Bilsteins for VW's for example, and there is a lot of crossover of strut inserts between manufacturers. Read the strut thread in the FAQ and you will see that some of us are running Bilsteins built for Volkswagens, but we need spacers and the correct gland nut. If you're willing to do that kind of checking into it, then yes, you can run a strut insert that fits the tube from another vehicle, but you will need a gland nut to fit and possibly will have to section or make a spacer to fit.

[ComicArtist]

I gotcha. I'm actually asking because I saw an S30 on another site that was supposedly running short stroke AE86 shocks with GC coilovers, and it put him at right about the ride height I want to be at. Also left plenty of suspension travel.

[RebekahsZ]

The weld where the two halves of my strut tubes were welded together created a tight spot so that my strut inserts wouldn't go in. Had to use a round hand file and brake cylinder reemer to smooth that junction out to get the strut insert in (a real PITA). It can be helpful to have your desired inserts on hand before cutting your tubes - that way you cut them to fit. Otherwise, you have to find a strut tube to fit the length you cut down to.... Anyway, standard length FRONT inserts now fit in my back tubes. I am running MR2 inserts in the front (can't remember the year MR2). I changed brands at some point and a different brand got me different length inserts, even when purchased for the same make and model. Some tubes have a little spacer cup on the bottom from the factory; don't be afraid to grind that down if you need to. Likewise, don't be afraid to drop some flat washers or bar stock into the bottom of your tubes to take up a little space. From my experience it is better to leave the tubes a little long and fill up the tube with a washer or two. Keep every gland nut that you can get your hands on - they are sometimes specific to the car, sometimes specific to the insert - don't ever throw one away.

[ComicArtist]

Thanks for the info! I'll be sure to check it out.

 

Offhand, does anyone know what the shortest shock available is?

 

Here's a pic of the S30 I was referring to.

 

[johnc]

The "short stroke" shocks in question are Tokico HTS 102Fs and their stroke is 1" shorter then the generally accepted 6" stroke for a S30 application. That shock can be run if your overall tire diameter is under 24". With a larger OD tire you need to raise the ride height to get good handling. The car in your picture above is too low for an S30 with the size of wheels and tires pictured. It will be on the bump stops all the time and will be pretty skatey in a corner.

[ComicArtist]

He put smaller wheels and tires on it since that picture, so I imagine that helped handling some. Just trying to get an idea of whether that would be a better coilover option than modifying s13 or acura coilovers to fit. The typical S30 GC setup doesn't go low enough for me.

[johnc]

SCCA ITS 240Zs running 14" wheels and 225/45-15 tires are about the lowest anyone has run with a good handling 240Z. 5" ride height measured at the rockers. Lower just puts everything in a bad part of the camber curve and exacerbates steering kickback and bump steer. That's assuming you're not doing anything to relocate suspension mounting points. If you're relocating the inner mounting points of the front and rear lower control arms I can see being able to run about 1" lower using the same size wheels and tires.

[JMortensen]

There is a lot to lowering one of these cars that much and still making it handle. It can be done, but usually isn't. If form is more important than function, then do what you want to get the look you're after. If function is more important, then I suggest you start reading in the BWSC forum, read all the stickies and look for other threads about super low Z cars. The info about potential pitfalls, etc is all laid out already.